Protective cap for metallic fence posts



March 31, 1931. E. .1. PAQUE 1,798,753

PROTECTIVE CAP FOR METALLIC FENCE POSTS Filed Sept. 8, 1928 gwuenlo o[46m raf Pa aae W MM Patented Mar. 31, 1931 UNITE STATES PATP @FFICEEDWARD J. PAQ'UE, 0F CINCINNATI, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TOTHE LPOLLAK STEELCOMPANY,

OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO l rnornomvn CAP non METALLICFnnon Pos'rs Application filed September 8, 1928. Serial No. 304,775.

This invention relates to metallic fence posts and especially to aprotective cap or cover for application to the top of such posts afterthey have been driven into the ground.

An object of the invention is to provide means whereby metallic fenceposts especially of a T-shaped type are protected against the effects ofthe elements and the subsequent unsightly appearance which results fromthe mar-ring or breaking away of paint or weather proofing coating atthe top of the post when the post is driven into the ground.

Another object is to provide a simple, inexpensive means for the purposestated and one which is easy to apply and which is capable of renderingthe post more attractive.

These and other objects are attained by the means described herein anddisclosed in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fraginental elevation of a T- shaped fence post having a capof the invention applied thereto.

ig. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of a cap of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the device shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4: is a front elevational view of the ca of the invention.

Ietallic fence posts are usually and preferably coated with somesuitable weather resisting paint or coating which is usually intended tobe somewhat decorative so that the resultant fence structure of whichthey form a part will not he unsightly. Aluminum paint is frequentlyused for the purpose. The fence posts which are usually T-shaped andcomprise a table portion such as 8, see Fig. 1, and a leg 9, have asuitably sharpened point on their lower end, not shown. The entire postafter fabrication is usually dipped in or coated with a suitable paintso as to prevent rusting. The posts are set up by driving the sharpenedend into the ground with blows from a hammer or mall directed on the top10. The hammer blows on top of the postwill break off the paint on thetop of the post and leave exposed uncovered metal which subsequentlyrusts and not only shortens the period of usefulness of the post butcauses almost immediate disfiguration of the 'of this invention toappearance of the post as a Whole because the exposed metal will rustand'the rusty water will run down the various faces of the post andstain the painted surfaces. In the herein disclosed embodiment of theinvention a single sheet of metal is shown in a form pro vided forapplication to a T-shaped fence post. It will be understood that themode of construction may be altered within the scope provide protectivecaps for various other shaped posts, examples of which are U-shaped andL shaped fence posts.

The cap comprises a substantially rectangular portion 11 which abuts thefront face of the table of the post, flanges 12 extending from oppositesides thereof to embrace the edges 13 of the post and which have theirend portions 14 turned toward one another so as to substantially abutthe rear faces 15 of the table of the post and to terminate at theopposite sides of the leg 9. The top 15 of the cap is continuous withthe top edge of the side 11 and is formed into a T-shape which coversthe top end of the post by slotting it at opposite edges to points 16and bending down the portions 17 to cover the opposite sides of theleg9. The caps which are of a suitably heavy gauge of sheet metal are thendipped, sprayed or otherwise treated to provide a weather resistingfinish whereupon they are ready for application to fence posts. The modeof application of the caps to the posts is obvious, consisting'merely ofentering the leg 9 between the portions 17 of the can and the tableportions in the pocket formed between the walls l t, 12 and 11. The capis merely pressed down over the top of the post until it rests thereon.If desired the flanges may be indented as at 18 to insure goodfrictional binding on the fence post. The protective coating or paintfor the cap may be uniform with the finish of the post or if desired maybe in suitable color contrast therewith.

The cap of any suitable construction may broadly be said to consist of atop 15 which extends over the top end of a postand flanges arranged tofrictionally retain the cap on the post. The toppreferably conforms tothe top cross section as in the herein disclosed embodiment, but, itwill be understood, such conformity is of secondary importance to theinvention.

What isclaimed is: v 1. As a new article of manufacture a sheet 5 metalcap, for a T-shaped post comprising a leg and a table, the capcomprising a portion I adapted to surround the sides and end of thetable and a'portion surrounding the sides and end of the leg, one ofthesurrounding porlo ,tions having addepression forming an inwardlyextending boss to augment frictional binding thereof on the leg.

2. In combination with a T-shaped metallic fence post treated to preventrusting and 15 adapted to be driven into the ground by repeatedlydirecting blows upon its top, therby .destroying the rust-proofing atsaid top end, a protective quickly applied frictionally held cap havinga top of T-shape, and in.-

0 te ral ortions extendin therefrom for cov- Z a p 7 a:

' ering the damaged end ofthe fence post and ,precludingentry ofmoisture and subsequent streaking of the post with rusty water.

, In testimony whereof, I have hereunto sub- ,25 scribedmy name this 1stday of September,

EDWARD J. PAQUE.

